Staying Strong in Summer Heat: T1D Tips
Summer is here, and with it comes sunshine, outdoor activities, and… sweat!
For anyone managing diabetes, the warmer months can present unique challenges, especially when it comes to keeping essential diabetes gear in place. A Diabetes Educator and someone who lives in the perpetually humid climate of Florida knows a thing or two about battling the heat and humidity to ensure diabetes management stays on track.
The Summer Sweat Struggle is Real: Keeping Your Gear Secure
Let's face it: sweat and adhesive don't mix well. This is a common frustration for many people using insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). Here are the top two game-changing strategies to keep sites and sensors securely in place, even when active or just enjoying the outdoors:
1. The Power of Adhesion: Prepping Pump Sites
Think of it like this: one wouldn't paint a wall without prepping it first, right? The same goes for insulin pump sites. Before even thinking about sticking on the next site, consider using an adhesive wipe like Skin Tac.
If you grew up in the Midwest, you did not experience the same level of humidity, and your sites usually stayed on fine. But in Florida, you quickly learned that skipping this step was a recipe for frustration. When one is sweating a lot, especially during sports or just being outside, pump sites are much more likely to come loose prematurely.
Using an adhesive wipe creates a tacky surface that helps the site adhere much more securely to the skin. This simple step can dramatically prolong the life of a pump site, often allowing it to get the full three days out of it, even in the sweatiest conditions. This means fewer wasted sites, less hassle, and more consistent insulin delivery – a win-win for everyone, especially for someone with Type 1 Diabetes relying on consistent insulin. A T1D dietitian will often emphasize the importance of consistent insulin delivery for optimal blood sugar control.
2. Over-Patches for Your CGM: Your Summer Lifesaver
Getting your CGM to last the full 10 days can sometimes feel like winning the lottery. Add summer activities like swimming, beach trips, and just general sweating, and that likelihood drops significantly. This is where over-patches become a best friend.
An over-patch is an adhesive patch that goes over the CGM, providing an extra layer of security. While this educator is lucky if their CGM stays on for the entire duration at baseline, using an over-patch drastically increases that chance – they would say to about 95%, even in the peak of summer!
A T1D Dietitian prefers over-patches that utilize kinesiology tape because it is designed to resist sweat and move with the body, making it incredibly durable. However, most over-patch brands will offer significant improvement compared to just the adhesive from the CGM company itself (those tend to be less robust). Investing in good over-patches means less worry about one's CGM falling off mid-activity, allowing them to enjoy their summer without constant concern for their glucose monitoring. This is crucial for both Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes management, as continuous monitoring provides valuable insights for adjusting one's diet and activity levels.
Beyond Summer Tips
While these tips are great for summer, remember that managing diabetes is a year-round commitment. This is where one's healthcare team comes in, especially a specialized diabetes dietitian. Beyond diet, a Diabetes Educator can provide invaluable guidance on everything from medication management and blood sugar monitoring to understanding the latest technology and coping with the daily challenges of living with diabetes. One's care team is there to empower them with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive.
What Are Your Summer Strategies?
Living with diabetes, whether it's Type 1 Diabetes or Type 2 Diabetes, doesn't mean one has to shy away from summer fun. With a few smart strategies and the support of a registered dietitian and certified Diabetes Educator, one can enjoy all the season has to offer with confidence and control.
